God of Medicine’s Birthday 2023: God of Medicine’s Birthday is a Taiwanese holiday observed annually on the 15th day of the third lunar month, which is May 4 this year. This celebration honours the advent of the deity Baosheng Dadi. In his honour, temples throughout Taiwan conduct celebrations. Baosheng Dadi was a real person who lived in the 10th century, despite his current status as the medicinal deity. Known for his remarkable healing abilities, he was a skilled Taoist practitioner and doctor. In Taiwan’s Taipei municipality and Fujian province, his birthday is frequently celebrated with demonstrations.
HISTORY OF GOD OF MEDICINE’S BIRTHDAY
Baosheng Dadi was born as Wu Tao in the Bnailia village of Fujian Province. He was born during the Song Dynasty in 979. During his lifetime, he became a Taoist practitioner and a skilled physician, conducting numerous medical miracles. When he died in 1036, some people began to worship him as a god, and as time progressed, more and more people followed suit. Baosheng Dadi was awarded the titles of Imperial Inspector at Heaven’s Gate, The Great Taoist Immortal, The Miracle Doctor of Compassion Relief, and Long-lived, life-protecting Emperor by Zhu Giochi, the fourth Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
The birthday of Baosheng Dadi is a joyous occasion. Since the Chinese Nationalist Party’s withdrawal from Taiwan in 1949, the Dalongdong Baoan Temple in Taipei has been in a sorry state. Approximately 200 refugees and military dependents had established a makeshift settlement in the 119-year-old structure.
In 1950, when the writer Wu Chao-lun arrived in Dalongdong, he discovered it to be filthy. 1952 saw the formation of a repair committee to preserve the temple, with affluent businessman Lin Kung-Chen at the helm. Lin is best known for leading an all-female labour choir that chanted scriptures in 1957. In 1966, the Taipei City Government intervened and assisted in the relocation of the squatters. Baosheng Dadi, the Taoist God of medicine, is honoured by more than 200 shrines in Taiwan. Temple Dalongdong Baoan is one of them.
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GOD OF MEDICINE’S BIRTHDAY ACTIVITIES
Explore Baosheng Dadi
Learn about Taoism and traditional Chinese religion. Learn more about the ancient god Baosheng and his significance in Taiwanese history.
Travel to Taipei
Before the holiday, visit the municipal government of Taiwan. In Taipei, Taiwan, actors perform a dragon dance to celebrate the birthday of the Chinese god of medicine, Baosheng the Great.
Participate in the special candle-lighting event.
In Fujian, Taiwan, and Taipei, special candle-lighting and incense-burning ceremonies mark this occasion. You can attend these events virtually or host your own.
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Five Interesting Taiwan Facts
No sandals allowed inside the temple
Before entering sanctuaries in Taiwan, visitors are expected to remove their shoes.
Ancientest temple in Taiwan
The Penghu Tianhou temple was constructed in 1604 and is Taiwan’s earliest temple.
15,000 recognised sanctuaries
There are 15,000 official temples dedicated to hundreds of spirits in Taiwan.
Largest Buddhist temple
Fo Guang Shan Monastery is the greatest Buddhist temple in Taiwan.
Religion dominant in Taiwan
Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous religions comprise the majority of Taiwan’s traditional faiths.
WHY WE LOVE GOD OF MEDICINE’S BIRTHDAY
It is a time-honored Taiwanese custom
According to Taiwanese historical accounts, the celebration of the God of medicine began shortly after his demise in 1036. The Taiwanese continue to celebrate this ancient deity festival to this day.
It brings together communities
During this time, communities assemble to pray at the temple. All over Taiwan, events and activities are conducted for people of all ages.
It highlights Taiwanese culture.
We gain insight into Taiwanese culture through the commemoration of the God of Medicines’ birthday. It helps us comprehend their religious practises and beliefs.
GOD OF MEDICINE’S BIRTHDAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 15 | Friday |
| 2023 | May 4 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 23 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 12 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
